On Gear Live: Circuit Breaker: The Tech Newsletter that Elevates Your Gadget Game

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AOL Optimized PCIf you thought Dell computers were crap, wait until you see what AOL has up their sleeve. The AOL Optimized PC is the latest attempt at AOL trying to increase its userbase, offering the new PC for $299 USD to anyone who makes a one year commitment to the AOL service. The PC is actually built by Systemax and includes the PC, monitor, keyboard, printer, accessories and pre-loaded software. What software would AOL preload on an AOL branded computer? AOL 9.0 Optimized of course - along with an AOL branded office suite, appropriately dubbed "AOL Office". That would be a cheap Microsoft Office knock-off. While all that might sound humorous, this has got to be the best part:

Is this a high-performance system?
Yes. It features an Intel 2.0 GHz Celeron processor, 256MB of RAM, a 56K modem, 40GB hard drive, 10/100MB Ethernet and comes with Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition pre-loaded.


Yeah. Real high performance.

Read More | AOL PC

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Halo 2 Reviews


Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Video Games,

Halo 2 Reviewed

Halo 2 reviews are starting to come in and so far the game seems to be living up to the massive hype created. With several national chains holding midnight openings for the games release on November 9, and some even booking entertainment to add to the party atmosphere, this game is sure to be one of the biggest selling games of all time. Halo 2 includes a stellar single player experience, along with a new online play feature. As most know, the original Halo lacked online multiplayer, and yet maintained a very high replayablity level. Since you come to Gear Live for news on technology, including videogames, we are sure that if you have an XBOX, you already have preordered this game. You are also happy to see the reviews being so positive for what some are calling one of the biggest game of the year, if not all time.

Click here to discuss this story on the Gear Live Message Boards

Read More | Slashdot
Motorola Razr V3 Review

We know that a large number of readers are clamoring for the uber-cool Motorola Razr V3. The 1/2-inch thick chassis is visually smooth as silk, and is dead gorgeous. PC Magazine recently reviewed a prototype of the final version, and while there are still a few kinks to work out before the final product is released, they have determined that this is the best looking cell phone out there.

Read More | PC Mag

Latest Gear Live Videos

Canon Powershot A95 FreeThe newest site from OfferCentric is Cameras4Free.com. Taking a different approach to the incentive marketing angle, Cameras4Free.com is actually offering high quality, top of the line digital cameras for free. You know the drill by now - sign up at the site, complete an offer, and refer a few friends to do the same. Complete the necessary steps, and you walk away with your choice of a Canon Powershot A95, Powershot S1 IS, Sony DSC P100 CyberShot, or a Sony DSC-W1 CyberShot. And yes, a couple of those are 5 megapixel digital cameras. With a little extra work, you can also grab a 512 MB memory card. Click here to join.

RELATED:
Interview with OfferCentric
Cameras4Free.com Referal Thread
Gear Live PlaylistWith some big upcoming and recent releases, this week Playlist takes a look at the next major release from Eminem which is slated to go platinum almost immediately. If taking it retro is more your style, check out our look back at Pink Floyd's classic Dark Side of the Moon. We have that, and everything in between in this weeks Playlist.

Click to continue reading Gear Live Playlist: Eminem, Leonard Cohen, Say Anything, The Future Heads, Pink Floyd


Ask The Gear Chick


Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Features,

Ask the Gear Chick Panasonic VDRM70



With all the email we get at Gear Live regarding technology, opinions on what people should buy, and the like, we figured it was time to start a mailbag column. It soon became obvious. We needed a Gear Chick. Is there anything better than a woman who loves tech? They are a rare breed, and it took a while for us to find that one woman who fit the bill - but we did it. Send all your tech related questions to her gearchick@gearlive.com.

People always want to know what gear I would get if I could get anything I wanted. Well, here are the top three gadgets on my wish list, and why I think they should be on yours too...

Click to continue reading Ask The Gear Chick


MicroSoft

Get ready for an extensive advertising blitz from these two powerhouses this holiday season. In an effort to promote their new Media Center PC's, the two companies will be launching a new site, digitaljoy.com, which demonstrates how a PC can be the hub of an entertainment center. Part of the plan is a $1,400 PC that looks like a DVD player and a device that beams digital photos, video and music through the home over radio waves. It may not catch on fully this year, one analyst observes, but it's a first step in letting consumers know what's possible.

Read More | Seattle Times

Laserpod Review from I4U


Posted by Andru Edwards Categories:

I4U recently received a Laserpod for review:

"Laserpod's PR agency calls the Laserpod the modern-day equivalent of the seventies Lava Lamp. As the name suggests the Laserpod utilizes a laser to create random light effects. It can be used with electroplated diffuser domes to make the laser paint moving effects on them. There is also a blue light that creates an Aurora Borealis light effect inside the domes giving the lamp a spatial depth. With the dome removed the laser paints the effects onto the ceiling or wall. Basically it creates my own little laser show."

Read More | I4U News
Intel

If you're wondering, the EE stands for "Extreme Edition." (How totally 90's.) In any case, it's always interesting to see advances in chip technology, especially when you're holding out on buying a new PC until prices drop. Intel's latest chip runs at 3.46GHz and incorporates 2MB of cache. Companies that have employed previous "Extreme Editions" in their rigs include Alienware, Falcon Northwest and Hewlett-Packard. Chip prices are expected to be around $999.

Read More | Cnet

Audio Technica iPod mini earbuds



Japan always gets the cool stuff, huh? Well, I guess that's true if you can consider earbuds that have a slight hint of color which match those of the Apple iPod mini line a cool item. Seriously, what is taking for long to someone to release something like this stateside? These babies are available in Japan from Audio Technica.

Read More | Audio Technica

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